BY NOMI SILVERMAN
Spring has heralded exciting changes at the Center for Contemporary Printmaking, located in Mathews Park in Norwalk. Two additional printmakers have been hired, an international print exchange program launched, our facilities reorganized and our printing presses refurbished. A new heating system, aquatint box and a new printing press have been installed. Additional program and facility improvements are planned as CCP prepares to celebrate our 20th anniversary in 2015.
New collaborations with local, national and international arts colleagues will bring further recognition and attention to CCP and to the artist/printmakers who work in our studios. All are geared toward further enhancing CCP”™s reach as a thriving, vibrant cultural destination for residents of Norwalk, Fairfield County and the larger metropolitan area.
The center is committed to broadening and deepening the artistic and technical skills of professional artists in our region through a year-round series of workshops taught by leading printmakers from around the country. This spring, the Center is reconnecting with Norwalk Public High Schools in programs that provide printmaking experiences for sophomores and juniors, offering opportunities for young artists to immerse themselves in CCP”™s creative, professional artistic environment.
During the coming months, a major new public artwork will materialize on West Ave in Norwalk. The Center for Contemporary Printmaking is proud to be coordinating the public art commission, “Gateway to Norwalk ”” Celebration of Public Art,” on behalf of the city of Norwalk, the Norwalk Redevelopment Agency and the state of Connecticut Department of Transportation. This project will augment the West Avenue corridor development now underway.
Partnerships with local businesses have taken on new importance for community-based nonprofits such as CCP. A recent survey conducted by Americans for the Arts in our region provided a wake-up call. When asked why their business did not contribute to the arts, 60 percent of small business owners revealed that they had never been asked. The fault lies with us and we are renewing our efforts to engage our local entrepreneurs and small business owners in partnerships to create a creative force for dynamic arts inspired living in Norwalk.
Nomi Silverman is interim executive director at the Center for Contemporary Printmaking, a member of the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County.
